In a prior post, I shared how I asked God to deliver me from people. Reason being, I found myself extremely annoyed around certain environments and people. My initial prayer was for God to make the people just go away, but since you can't have a ministry without people, he literally made sure those same people who annoyed me kept showing up.
What was God trying to get at? Why would he keep causing the very people I wanted to escape to continue pursuing me in some way? He was trying to teach me spiritual and emotional maturity. In the process, he helped me understand how mastery of myself and personal boundaries was the key to the peace I was seeking.
Emotional maturity is essential for spiritual growth. When we are emotionally mature, we are able to understand and manage our emotions in a healthy way. This allows us to have healthy relationships, make wise decisions, and experience God's love and grace more deeply. It also helps us hear God more clearly, instead of our emotions. The gift of spiritual discernment is sharpened in our lives as we learn to die to our emotions.
Many Christians struggle with emotional immaturity. It is even worse when leaders struggle with immaturity. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as our upbringing, past experiences, or mental health conditions. Regardless of the source, emotional immaturity can hinder our spiritual growth and the growth of our organizations.
Here are some tips for overcoming emotional immaturity so we can grow in Christ:
Be aware of your emotions
The first step to overcoming emotional immaturity is to be aware of your emotions. What are you feeling? Why are you feeling that way? Allow yourself to feel those emotions. Once you are aware of your emotions, you can start to understand them and manage them in a healthy way.
Learn how to express your emotions in a healthy way
It is important to be able to express your emotions in a healthy way. This means not bottling up your emotions or lashing out at others. Instead, it means finding healthy ways to express your emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend, journaling, exercising, or going to the spa, as I do.
Seek help if you need it
If you are struggling with emotional immaturity, don't be afraid to seek help. There are many resources available to help you, such as therapy, counseling, or support groups. Sometimes we need an anonymous confidential ear to support us. I find nonjudgmental spaces have helped me the most.
Overcoming emotional immaturity is a journey, but it is a journey that is worth taking. As we grow in emotional maturity, we will be able to grow in our relationship with God and experience His love and grace in deeper ways.
Here are some additional tips for overcoming emotional immaturity:
Spend time in prayer and Bible study
As you get to know God better, you will learn more about His love and grace. This will help you to develop a healthy view of yourself and your emotions.
Surround yourself with positive people
The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your emotional health. Make sure to surround yourself with people who are supportive and encouraging. Avoid environments and gatherings that feel tethering to your soul. Invest yourself in positive people and spaces that promote your spiritual and emotional well-being.
Practice self-care
Taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential for emotional maturity. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
Growing in emotional maturity is a lifelong journey, but it is a journey that is worth taking. As we grow in emotional maturity, we will be able to grow in our relationship with God and experience His love and grace in deeper ways.
About Issata
Issata O. is a dynamic leader and innovative systems thinker with ten years of leadership experience in the private and non-profit sectors. She is also a content creator, three-time #1 best-selling author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, certified life coach & consultant for women in leadership and business, and the founder of The EZ Breezy Life.
Issata obtained her bachelor's and master's degree from Rutgers University, holds an executive certificate in Women's Leadership from Yale School of Management, a certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Northwestern University, and is trained in Agile project management methodologies.
Learn more at www.ezbreezy.life and www.issatao.com.